Explore What it Means to be a Saint

Join the School of Spiritual Formation and Take a Course This Fall!

Growth in Holiness: Doctors of the Interior Life

“Sir, we would see Jesus,” was the urgent request from the Greeks in John’s Gospel, and this has been the same desire of the saints and Doctors of the Church through the ages—to be transformed by growth in holiness and purity of heart, knowing that it is the pure of heart who shall see God.

Therefore it is to them that we must look, in their lives and writings, as guidance in our own journey, drawing from the wisdom of men and women from the East and the West: saints such as St. Gregory the Great, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Maximus the Confessor and St. Isaac the Syrian.

Each saint originated from a different vantage point and explored a unique path to holiness, but each conformed to “that great riverbed of Scripture and Tradition.” As that is our universal call and our goal, this class will draw from the well of their wisdom as we, too, seek to be worthy to “see Jesus.”

Professor: Dr. Michael Gama

Day/Time: Tuesdays, 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm Eastern Time

Apply to the Avila Institute By: Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Introduction to St. John of Avila

This course surveys the life, influence and spiritual teaching of Saint John of Ávila. Known as the Apostle of Andalusia, this renowned preacher and man of prayer from the 16th Century though imprisoned by the Inquisition was later consulted by Saint Teresa of Avila and the Fathers of the Council of Trent.

Many who were converted by his preaching and spiritual counsel themselves became saints, including Saint John of God and Saint Francis Borgia. In our time, Pope Benedict declared him Doctor of the Church. This course explores his spiritual teaching including selections from his masterwork written for a soul who sought him as a spiritual director: Audi, Filia (Listen O Daughter).

Professor: Dr. Ben Nguyen

Day/Time: Wednesdays, 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm Eastern

Apply to the Avila Institute By: Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Email Print

Kristin Priola

Kristin Priola is the Event and Marketing Coordinator at the Avila Foundation, parent organization of SpiritualDirection.com, the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation, and Divine Intimacy Radio. Receiving the position was providential and in God’s perfect timing. Although cradle Catholic, in college she reverted and became confirmed in the Church in 2016. Kristin graduated with a degree in Communications from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Kristin is recently married to her new spouse, William. She is also involved with Apostoli Viae and a Young Professionals Bible study. For fun, Kristin enjoys discussing theology with friends, dancing, singing, cooking, and writing. She hopes to continue growing in her faith through the sacraments and involvement with faithful community.